Attractions

Kyoto is a city steeped in history and culture, where artisans practice craft skills passed down in an unbroken line for centuries. To help you make the most of your time here, we have created a series of carefully selected activities for our guests.

From food classes and cycling tours to craft workshops and events for children, these activities are designed to help you explore our culture, and discover the very best our city and The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto has to offer.

While you are staying with us at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, we want your time to be unforgettable. Why not book an activity today – and let us open the door to a thousand years of tradition.

Art and Craft

Art Tour

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto contains around 400 works of contemporary art inspired by scenes from the Tale of Genji, the 1,000 year-old master piece considered to be the first Japanese novel. In this tour especially designed for art-lovers, our guide will introduce a selection of these artworks and explain their significance.

Floral Design Class

Create stunning flower arrangements in our floral design class. Specialist Christina Tortu florists will reveal the secrets behind their signature style, and show you how to design truly expressive bouquets that bring the beauty of nature into your home.

Handmade Soap Workshop

Try your hand at soap-making at Shabon-ya, Kyoto’s famous purveyors of natural, organic soap. While waiting for your soap to set you can enjoy a relaxing foot-bath in the shop, or sample sweets and green tea in the in-store café.

Japanese Wrapping Art

Furoshiki are a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used to transport almost anything, from clothes and gifts to food and drink. The special class gives you the opportunity to learn the wrapping techniques required for this practical, fashionable and uniquely Japanese custom.

The Art of Origami

Discover the unique Japanese art of paper folding, or origami. In this creative workshop you can learn how to create traditional designs such as paper cranes, or try fun alternatives like jumping frogs or Ninja throwing stars.

Cooking and Tasting

Sushi Master Class

Don a chef’s apron and learn how to make perfect sushi maki rolls under the expert guidance of MIzuki sushi chef. Your class ends with a tasting session, giving you the chance to sample your creations.

Japanese Sweets

Exquisitely crafted wagashi sweets have been enjoyed in Japanese since ancient times. In this workshop, Japanese sweets artisans will teach you the art of creating your own traditional Japanese confectionery, which you can enjoy with a cup of matcha tea.

Sake Tasting

Sample a variety of premium sakes and learn more about the processes and techniques behind Japan’s national drink in this tasting masterclass, led by our experienced in-house sommelier. Drinks are accompanied by light snacks.

Matcha Tea Experience

Kyoto’s Ippodo Tea Company has been providing the highest quality Japanese matcha green tea for almost three centuries. Take a tour of Ippodo’s famous head shop where you can prepare your own matcha tea and enjoy it with a traditional Japanese sweet.

Japanese Culture

Kimono Experience

Immerse yourself in history as you stroll through the old streets of Kyoto dressed in a traditional kimono. As part of the experience we will be happy to help you to choose your favorite colors, patterns, and designs of kimono.

Samurai Experience

In feudal times, samurai warriors practiced the performing art of kenbu (literally “sword dace”) to prepare themselves for battle. In this class you will learn basic kenbu moves using a real samurai sword while dressed in traditional costume, before enjoying a stage performance by a kenbu master.

Ritz Kids

Friendly Balloons

What’s more fun than a balloon? How about a balloon shaped like a rabbit or a lion? Join this special balloon art and learn how to make balloon animals and other great shapes with just a few twists and turns.

Ritz Kids Treasure Hunt

Seven Buddha statues are hiding somewhere in the hotel – and it’s up to you to find them, using the secret treasure map. Take part in our treasure hunt challenge and you’ll get a special gift of your own.

Stamp Quiz Challenge

Test your brainpower in this stamp-collecting quiz. You will discover some amazing facts about our hotel and the city of Kyoto. Get the answers right and you could collect all seven of our colorful hotel stamps, as well as a special prize!

STICKY FINGERS

Sweet treats taste even better when you’ve made them yourself! In this class, kids have fun making their own simple sweets and pastries. Classes are taught by our in-house Pierre Hermé Paris patissiers.

Tour and Relaxation

Cycle Kyoto

With its calm streets, Kyoto is an ideal city to explore by bicycle. We offer sightseeing cycle tours to famous places such as the Shimogamo and Heian Jingu shrines, led by experts who can provide a unique insight into these historic sites. This activity will take place depending on weather conditions. The final decision will be made in the morning of the activity day.

Morning Warm-Up

There’s nothing like a little morning exercise for burning off las night’s extra calories, or setting you up for a day of sightseeing. Let our spa team guide you through a gentle warm-up session guaranteed to leave you feeling invigorated, refreshed and ready for everything your day has to offer.

How To Apply Please reserve by 6 p.m. with any of our Ladies and Gentlemen at the front desk one day prior to the day of the activity. You can also call us at Extension 9.

Kindly arrive in front of the concierge desk 10 minutes prior to the starting time.

If the guest cancels a chargeable activity on the reserved day, the cancellation charge will be 100% of the activity fee.